2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS1200 Physics 1 - Fundamental Forces
25 creditsClass Size: 260
Module manager: Dr Alison Voice
Email: A.M.Voice@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
'A' Level Physics and Maths or equivalentThis module is mutually exclusive with
| PHYS1231 | Introductory Physics (Geophysics) |
| PHYS1240 | Quantum Physics and Relativity (Geophysics) |
| PHYS1270 | Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours) |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
At the end of this module you should be able to:- describe the motion of particles in terms of their position, velocity and acceleration;
- discuss Newton's laws in the context of cause and effect;
- derive the work-energy theorem and define potential energy from a conservative force;
- discuss and utilise the conservation of momentum for a system of particles;
- discuss and utilise the conservation of angular momentum for rigid body rotation;
- describe and utilise Newton's theory of gravity;
- describe the basic mechanical properties of solids and fluids.
- derive and use the transformation equations of special relativity;
- compute the energy and momentum of relativistic particles;
- summarise relativistic systems on a Minkowski spacetime diagram;
- understand the core difference between quantum and classical physics;
- represent quantum systems with two classical states;
- compute measurement probabilities and quantum evolutions;
- apply the Heisenberg uncertainty relation and de Broglie wavelength to concrete physical systems;
- derive the Bohr model and use it to estimate energies of atoms and molecules;
- perform elementary computations relating to photons and radiation;
- understand the uses and philosophical implications of quantum entanglement;
- understand and solve problems involving the Coulomb force;
- perform calculations on DC circuits (including capacitors, resistors and inductors) using Ohm’s and Kirchhoff's Laws);
- calculate the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:
In Mechanics
1. Kinematics
2. Forces & Energy
3. Friction
4. Circular motion
In Quantum Physics:
1. Core differences between classical and quantum physics.
2. Heisenberg Uncertainty Relation.
3. Quantum aspects of atoms and radiation.
In Relativity
1. Lorentz transformations
2. Minkowski space
3. Relativistic dynamics
In Electromagnetism
1. Electric circuits and Kirchoff’s laws
2. Charge and electric fields
3. Charge and magnetic fields
Skills outcomes
Problem solving in mechanics, quantum physics, relativity and electricity
Syllabus
- Kinematics
- Dynamics, including gravity
- Rigid bodies
- Work & energy
- Rotation
- Uses of quantum physics
- The Bohr model of the atom
- Photons and radiation
- The de Broglie wavelength
- The Heisenberg uncertainty relation
- Lorentz Transformations
- Relativistic kinematics
- Relativistic energy and momentum
- Four-vectors and Minkowski space
- Basic Electrostatics: Coulomb force and capacitors
- Magnetostatics
- Lorentz force
- DC circuits
- Kirchoff's laws
- RC circuits
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 55 | 1.00 | 55.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 33.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 162.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 250.00 | ||
Private study
- reading lecture notes and books- solving problems
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course Assessment | Regular Coursework | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 | |
Resists will be in standard exam format.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 | |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 28/11/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD